Child Care Resources

09/04/2026

Our office is closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

09/02/2026

Join the ECFSD Quality Team for a virtual informational Town Hall introducing Montana’s Treasures (MTT)—the brand-new Quality Recognition System going live in MAQCS on October 1, 2026.

This virtual session will help you better understand your program choices and walk you through navigating the MTT application process. Plus, ECP credits are available!

Choose from two convenient sessions to join:
🗓️ Wednesday, Sept 16 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/v7/trainings/search/(slider-new:531249/detail)

🗓️ Saturday, Sept 19 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/v7/trainings/search/(slider-new:531250/detail)

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

Attention provides,
For September payments, please remember attendance is due by 5pm Tuesday, September 1st. First payments are scheduled for Friday, September 11th.

Attention Child Care Providers!

Keep your payments on track by following the upcoming MAQCS Payment Processing Timeline.

Here are the key deadlines you need to know:
• August 4th (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM: Submit your attendance to kick off the cycle.
• August 6th (Thursday): Invoices are created and assigned to caseworkers for review.
• August 10th (Monday) at 5:00 PM: Caseworkers release invoices for payment.
• August 12th (Wednesday) at 5:00 PM: CCB completes final review for payment release.
• August 13th (Thursday): Payments process!

Mark your calendars so you never miss a step! 📅

08/14/2026

Attention Lake County families!
Check out these upcoming services and events in your area.

08/13/2026

Here's a look ahead at the payment schedule for the rest of 2026:

In August for September payments:
Attendance due by 5pm Tuesday, September 1st
First payment Friday, September 11th
In September for October payments:
Attendance due by 5pm Tuesday, October 6th
First payment Friday, October 16th
In October for November payments:
Attendance due by 5pm Tuesday, November 3rd
First payment Friday, November 13th
In November for December payments:
Attendance due by 5pm Tuesday, December 1st
First payment Friday, December 11th

Attention Child Care Providers!

Keep your payments on track by following the upcoming MAQCS Payment Processing Timeline.

Here are the key deadlines you need to know:
• August 4th (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM: Submit your attendance to kick off the cycle.
• August 6th (Thursday): Invoices are created and assigned to caseworkers for review.
• August 10th (Monday) at 5:00 PM: Caseworkers release invoices for payment.
• August 12th (Wednesday) at 5:00 PM: CCB completes final review for payment release.
• August 13th (Thursday): Payments process!

Mark your calendars so you never miss a step! 📅

08/12/2026

08/10/2026

Have you reviewed the proposed changes to Best Beginnings?
https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/rules/2026-533-pro-arm.pdf

Montana DPHHS has released proposed changes to the rules governing the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship, and these changes could affect families receiving assistance and child care providers who participate in the program.

The proposed changes include updates to:
• Family income eligibility
• Monthly enrollment-based payments
• Full-time and part-time authorizations
• Primary and secondary providers
• Provider registration fee reimbursement
• Copayments and changes to a child’s provider
• Requirements for school-age care

Families and child care providers are encouraged to review the proposed rules and share their feedback. This is an opportunity to understand what is being proposed and make your voice heard before the rules are finalized.

A virtual public hearing will be held Thursday, August 27, at 10:00 a.m. Written comments are also being accepted through Friday, September 4, at 5:00 p.m.

Take some time to review the proposed changes and consider how they may affect you, your family, or your child care program.